Winter Without You

Ronan stopped drying his hair and stared at me in disbelief. "Calista, what’s wrong with you? Is this really about what happened earlier?

"Brynn just likes to joke around. Besides, you threw cake at her, and she didn’t even hold it against you. Don’t push your luck just because you’re pregnant."

He turned as if to get into bed. I grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.

"I’m not joking. You shoved me today. I almost lost my life and the baby. If Brynn matters more to you than your wife and child, then fine. I’ll step aside and let you have each other."

I turned away, twisting my body so I wouldn’t have to look at him anymore.

He was silent for a moment, then walked over and gently stroked my hair. "Calista, don’t be mad. I’m a CEO now. You embarrassed me in front of my friends. That hurt too. Tell you what, I’ll take you out tomorrow to relax. Let our son get out and see the world a little."

I had just opened my mouth to respond when his lips suddenly pressed against mine.

His eyes were gentle as he said, "It’s late. Get some rest. Staying up is bad for you and the baby."

Drowsy, I drifted off to sleep.

In the middle of the night, a noise from the bathroom woke me. I crept over quietly and heard a conversation that made my skin crawl.

"Good boy, sneaking a video call with me. Aren’t you afraid your wife will find out?"

Ronan sounded completely unconcerned. "Women are easy. Just say a few sweet things, and they calm down. I’ve got her wrapped around my finger now. I say jump, she asks how high."

Laughter came from the other end.

"No matter how impressive you act in front of others, you’re still just a well-behaved little pet for Daddy."

To my horror, Ronan actually barked—a low, obedient "woof, woof"—sending chills down my spine. It was like he was a completely different person from the serious, dignified husband I knew.

I didn’t sleep for the rest of the night.

Early the next morning, Ronan woke me. After breakfast, he said he was taking me out.

The moment I got into the car, a sharp scent hit me, and I couldn’t help sneezing. I noticed a lily-scented air freshener clipped to the vent. Since I was allergic to lilies, I reached out instinctively to throw it away.

Ronan reacted instantly and grabbed my wrist. "Don’t touch that! Brynn put it there because she said my car stinks. If she notices it’s gone next time, she’ll never let me hear the end of it."

Clearly, he had forgotten all about my allergy. Right now, Brynn was the only thing on his mind. He must have noticed my expression, because he put the air freshener back in place and tried to reassure me.

"It expires in a month anyway. We can throw it out then."

He drove me to a basketball court, parked, and led me inside hand in hand.

When Brynn saw us, she ran over and pinched Ronan’s chest.

"Looks like you've been training hard. Those pecs are rock hard. Get on the court and play with me. Let’s wipe the floor with these losers today."

Ronan immediately pulled clothes from his bag and changed on the spot, then guided me to sit down on the bench.

"Calista, let our son watch my skills. Think of it as prenatal education."

After a while, hives began spreading across my body. It had to be the fragrance from earlier.

I shouted desperately, "Ronan, I think I’m having an allergic reaction. Take me to the hospital!"

Brynn yelled across the court instead, "Ronan, pass the ball! Hurry! Daddy’s going to show you a monster dunk!"

Focused on the game, Ronan didn’t hear me at all.

Even as my eyelids grew heavy and slowly closed, he never once looked in my direction.